Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 66

One day in early summer Squealer ordered the sheep to follow him and led them out to a piece of waste ground at the other end of the farm, which had become overgrown with birch saplings.

• One day: a single, unspecified day [wən deɪ]
• in early summer: during the beginning of the summer season [ɪn ˈərli ˈsəmər]
• Squealer: name of a character, likely a pig, in the story [squealer]
• ordered: gave a command or instruction [ˈɔrdərd]
• the sheep: plural of sheep, referring to a group of these animals [ðə ʃip]
• to follow him: to go after Squealer, to move in the same direction behind him [tɪ ˈfɑloʊ ɪm]
• and led them out: and guided them to go outside [ənd lɛd ðɛm aʊt]
• to a piece of waste ground: to an area of unused, neglected land [tɪ ə pis əv weɪst graʊnd]
• at the other end of the farm: located at the opposite side of the farm [æt ðə ˈəðər ɛnd əv ðə fɑrm]
• which had become overgrown: that had become covered with excessive growth [wɪʧ hæd bɪˈkəm ˌoʊvərˈgroʊn]
• with birch saplings: with young birch trees [wɪθ bərʧ ˈsæplɪŋz]

The sheep spent the whole day there browsing at the leaves under Squealer's supervision.

• The sheep: referring to the group of sheep mentioned earlier [ðə ʃip]
• spent: passed or used time [spɛnt]
• the whole day: the entire day, from morning to night [ðə hoʊl deɪ]
• there: in that location [ðɛr]
• browsing: feeding on leaves, twigs, or other vegetation [ˈbraʊzɪŋ]
• at the leaves: specifically eating the leaves [æt ðə livz]
• under Squealer's supervision: while being watched and directed by Squealer [ˈəndər squealers ˌsupərˈvɪʒən]

In the evening he returned to the farmhouse himself, but, as it was warm weather, told the sheep to stay where they were.

• In the evening: during the later part of the day, as it approaches night [ɪn ðə ˈivnɪŋ]
• he returned: Squealer went back [hi rɪˈtərnd]
• to the farmhouse: to the main house on the farm [tɪ ðə ˈfɑrmˌhaʊs]
• himself: emphasizing that he went alone [hɪmˈsɛlf]
• but: introducing a contrast or exception [bət]
• as it was warm weather: because the weather was mild and not cold [ɛz ɪt wɑz wɔrm ˈwɛðər]
• told the sheep: instructed the sheep [toʊld ðə ʃip]
• to stay where they were: to remain in their current location [tɪ steɪ wɛr ðeɪ wər]

It ended by their remaining there for a whole week, during which time the other animals saw nothing of them.

• It ended: the situation resulted [ɪt ˈɛndɪd]
• by their remaining: in them staying [baɪ ðɛr rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ]
• there: in that place [ðɛr]
• for a whole week: for an entire week, seven days [fər ə hoʊl wik]
• during which time: throughout that period [ˈdʊrɪŋ wɪʧ taɪm]
• the other animals: the animals on the farm that were not the sheep [ðə ˈəðər ˈænəməlz]
• saw nothing of them: did not see the sheep at all [sɔ ˈnəθɪŋ əv ðɛm]

Squealer was with them for the greater part of every day.

• Squealer was with them: Squealer stayed with the sheep [squealer wɑz wɪθ ðɛm]
• for the greater part: for most [fər ðə ˈgreɪtər pɑrt]
• of every day: of each day [əv ˈɛvəri deɪ]

He was, he said, teaching them to sing a new song, for which privacy was needed.

• He was, he said: Squealer stated [hi wɑz hi sɛd]
• teaching them: giving instructions to the sheep [ˈtiʧɪŋ ðɛm]
• to sing a new song: to learn and perform a new song [tɪ sɪŋ ə nu sɔŋ]
• for which privacy was needed: because the activity required seclusion and secrecy [fər wɪʧ ˈpraɪvəsi wɑz ˈnidɪd]

It was just after the sheep had returned, on a pleasant evening when the animals had finished work and were making their way back to the farm buildings, that the terrified neighing of a horse sounded from the yard.

• It: refers to the time or situation [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'to be', indicating a state of being in the past [wɑz]
• just after: immediately following [ʤɪst ˈæftər]
• the sheep: plural of sheep, referring to a group of these animals [ðə ʃip]
• had returned: past perfect tense of 'return', indicating that the sheep had come back before another action happened [hæd rɪˈtərnd]
• on: used to indicate a specific time [ɔn]
• a pleasant evening: an enjoyable and agreeable time of day [ə ˈplɛzənt ˈivnɪŋ]
• when: at the time that [wɪn]
• the animals: referring to the group of animals on the farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• had finished: past perfect tense of 'finish', indicating completion of work before another action [hæd ˈfɪnɪʃt]
• work: activities involving physical or mental effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result [wərk]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• were making their way: were in the process of moving or going [wər ˈmeɪkɪŋ ðɛr weɪ]
• back to: returning to a specific location [bæk tɪ]
• the farm buildings: the structures on the farm, such as barns and sheds [ðə fɑrm ˈbɪldɪŋz]
• that: introduces a subordinate clause [ðət]
• the terrified neighing: the frightened sound made by a horse [ðə ˈtɛrəˌfaɪd neighing]
• of a horse: the sound specifically made by a horse [əv ə hɔrs]
• sounded: was heard [ˈsaʊndɪd]
• from the yard: originating from the enclosed area around the farm buildings [frəm ðə jɑrd]

Startled, the animals stopped in their tracks.

• Startled: suddenly surprised or alarmed [ˈstɑrtəld]
• the animals: referring to the group of animals on the farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• stopped: ceased moving [stɑpt]
• in their tracks: immediately; where they were standing [ɪn ðɛr træks]

It was Clover's voice.

• It: refers to the sound [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'to be', indicating identity [wɑz]
• Clover's voice: the sound of Clover, a specific animal [clovers vɔɪs]

She neighed again, and all the animals broke into a gallop and rushed into the yard.

• She: referring to Clover [ʃi]
• neighed: made the sound of a horse [neighed]
• again: once more [əˈgɛn]
• and: used to connect clauses [ənd]
• all the animals: every animal in the group [ɔl ðə ˈænəməlz]
• broke into: suddenly started [broʊk ˈɪntu]
• a gallop: the fastest pace of a horse [ə ˈgæləp]
• and: used to connect clauses [ənd]
• rushed: moved quickly and with force [rəʃt]
• into the yard: to the enclosed area around the farm buildings [ˈɪntu ðə jɑrd]

Then they saw what Clover had seen.

• Then: after that [ðɛn]
• they: referring to the animals [ðeɪ]
• saw: perceived with their eyes [sɔ]
• what: the thing that [wət]
• Clover: a specific animal [ˈkloʊvər]
• had seen: past perfect tense of 'see', indicating something Clover had witnessed before the others [hæd sin]

It was a pig walking on his hind legs.

• It: refers to the situation or event [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'to be', indicating a state of being in the past [wɑz]
• a pig: a farm animal [ə pɪg]
• walking: moving on foot [ˈwɔkɪŋ]
• on: supported by [ɔn]
• his hind legs: the back legs of the pig [hɪz haɪnd lɛgz]

Yes, it was Squealer.

• Yes: affirmative response [jɛs]
• it: refers to the pig [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'to be', indicating identity [wɑz]
• Squealer: the name of a specific pig [squealer]

A little awkwardly, as though not quite used to supporting his considerable bulk in that position, but with perfect balance, he was strolling across the yard.

• A little: slightly [ə ˈlɪtəl]
• awkwardly: in an uncomfortable or clumsy way [ˈɔkwərdli]
• as though: as if [ɛz ðoʊ]
• not quite: not completely [nɑt kwaɪt]
• used to: accustomed to [juzd tɪ]
• supporting: bearing the weight of [səˈpɔrtɪŋ]
• his considerable bulk: his large size or weight [hɪz kənˈsɪdərəbəl bəlk]
• in that position: standing on his hind legs [ɪn ðət pəˈzɪʃən]
• but: used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]
• with perfect balance: maintaining stability flawlessly [wɪθ ˈpərˌfɪkt ˈbæləns]
• he: referring to Squealer [hi]
• was strolling: was walking in a leisurely way [wɑz ˈstroʊlɪŋ]
• across the yard: over the enclosed area around the farm buildings [əˈkrɔs ðə jɑrd]

And a moment later, out from the door of the farmhouse came a long file of pigs, all walking on their hind legs.

• And: used to connect clauses [ənd]
• a moment later: very soon after [ə ˈmoʊmənt ˈleɪtər]
• out from: emerging from [aʊt frəm]
• the door: the entrance [ðə dɔr]
• of the farmhouse: the house on the farm [əv ðə ˈfɑrmˌhaʊs]
• came: appeared [keɪm]
• a long file: a line of individuals one behind the other [ə lɔŋ faɪl]
• of pigs: a group of pigs [əv pɪgz]
• all: every one of them [ɔl]
• walking: moving on foot [ˈwɔkɪŋ]
• on their hind legs: using only their back legs to walk [ɔn ðɛr haɪnd lɛgz]

Some did it better than others, one or two were even a trifle unsteady and looked as though they would have liked the support of a stick, but every one of them made his way right round the yard successfully.

• Some: a portion of them [səm]
• did it: performed the action of walking on hind legs [dɪd ɪt]
• better: to a higher standard [ˈbɛtər]
• than others: compared to the rest [ðən ˈəðərz]
• one or two: a small number [wən ər tu]
• were: past tense of 'to be', indicating a state of being [wər]
• even: used to emphasize something surprising or extreme [ˈivɪn]
• a trifle: slightly [ə ˈtraɪfəl]
• unsteady: not stable; likely to fall [ənˈstɛdi]
• and: used to connect clauses [ənd]
• looked: appeared [lʊkt]
• as though: as if [ɛz ðoʊ]
• they: referring to the pigs [ðeɪ]
• would have liked: would have desired [wʊd hæv laɪkt]
• the support: assistance to remain upright [ðə səˈpɔrt]
• of a stick: using a cane for balance [əv ə stɪk]
• but: used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]
• every one: each individual [ˈɛvəri wən]
• of them: referring to the pigs [əv ðɛm]
• made his way: managed to move [meɪd hɪz weɪ]
• right round: completely around [raɪt raʊnd]
• the yard: the enclosed area around the farm buildings [ðə jɑrd]
• successfully: achieving the desired outcome [səkˈsɛsfəli]

And finally there was a tremendous baying of dogs and a shrill crowing from the black cockerel, and out came Napoleon himself, majestically upright, casting haughty glances from side to side, and with his dogs gambolling round him.

• And: used to connect clauses [ənd]
• finally: at the end [ˈfaɪnəli]
• there: used to indicate existence or occurrence [ðɛr]
• was: past tense of 'to be', indicating existence [wɑz]
• a tremendous baying: a loud, prolonged howling [ə trɪˈmɛndəs beɪɪŋ]
• of dogs: the sound made by dogs [əv dɔgz]
• and: used to connect clauses [ənd]
• a shrill crowing: a high-pitched cry [ə ʃrɪl kroʊɪŋ]
• from: originating from [frəm]
• the black cockerel: a male chicken with black feathers [ðə blæk cockerel]
• and: used to connect clauses [ənd]
• out: emerging [aʊt]
• came: appeared [keɪm]
• Napoleon himself: a specific character, emphasized as being important [nəˈpoʊljən hɪmˈsɛlf]
• majestically: in an impressively grand manner [məˈʤɛstɪkəli]
• upright: in a vertical position [ˈəˌpraɪt]
• casting: directing [ˈkæstɪŋ]
• haughty glances: arrogant looks [ˈhɔti ˈglænsɪz]
• from side to side: looking to the left and right [frəm saɪd tɪ saɪd]
• and: used to connect clauses [ənd]
• with his dogs: accompanied by his dogs [wɪθ hɪz dɔgz]
• gambolling: running or jumping playfully [gambolling]
• round him: around Napoleon [raʊnd ɪm]

He carried a whip in his trotter.

• He: refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [hi]
• carried: past tense of 'carry', meaning to support and move (someone or something) from one place to another [ˈkɛrid]
• a whip: a strip of leather or length of cord fastened to a handle, used for flogging or urging on an animal or person [ə wɪp]
• in: expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]
• his: belonging to or associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [hɪz]
• trotter: a pig's foot, especially when cooked and eaten [ˈtrɑtər]

There was a deadly silence.

• There: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating existence or occurrence in the past [wɑz]
• a deadly silence: a silence that is ominous or suggestive of death or danger [ə ˈdɛdli ˈsaɪləns]

Amazed, terrified, huddling together, the animals watched the long line of pigs march slowly round the yard.

• Amazed: filled with astonishment or great surprise [əˈmeɪzd]
• terrified: extremely frightened [ˈtɛrəˌfaɪd]
• huddling together: crowding together closely, typically because of fear or cold [ˈhədəlɪŋ təˈgɛðər]
• the animals: referring to the group of animals being discussed [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• watched: past tense of 'watch', meaning to look at something for a period of time [wɔʧt]
• the long line of pigs: a continuous row of pigs extending for a considerable distance [ðə lɔŋ laɪn əv pɪgz]
• march: walk in a regulated manner, as soldiers do [mɑrʧ]
• slowly: at a slow pace; not quickly [sˈloʊli]
• round: moving in a circular direction [raʊnd]
• the yard: an area of ground, typically one that is enclosed, adjoining or surrounding a building [ðə jɑrd]

It was as though the world had turned upside-down.

• It: referring to the situation or event being described [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• as though: as if; in a way that suggests something is the case [ɛz ðoʊ]
• the world: the earth, together with all of its countries, peoples, and natural features [ðə wərld]
• had turned upside-down: had been completely reversed or inverted [hæd tərnd ˌəpˈsaɪˌdaʊn]

Then there came a moment when the first shock had worn off and when in spite of everything – in spite of their terror of the dogs, and of the habit, developed through long years, of never complaining, never criticising, no matter what happened – they might have uttered some word of protest.

• Then: at that time; after that [ðɛn]
• there came: there arrived or occurred [ðɛr keɪm]
• a moment: a very short period of time [ə ˈmoʊmənt]
• when: at which time [wɪn]
• the first shock: the initial feeling of surprise or distress [ðə fərst ʃɑk]
• had worn off: had gradually disappeared or lessened in effect [hæd wɔrn ɔf]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• when: at which time [wɪn]
• in spite of: without being affected by; despite [ɪn spaɪt əv]
• everything: all things; all the things being considered [ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ]
• in spite of: without being affected by; despite [ɪn spaɪt əv]
• their terror: extreme fear [ðɛr ˈtɛrər]
• of the dogs: referring to the dogs present [əv ðə dɔgz]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• of the habit: a settled or regular tendency or practice [əv ðə ˈhæbət]
• developed: grown or elaborated [dɪˈvɛləpt]
• through long years: over a long period of time [θru lɔŋ jɪrz]
• of never complaining: of not expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something [əv ˈnɛvər kəmˈpleɪnɪŋ]
• never criticising: not expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments [ˈnɛvər criticising]
• no matter what: regardless of what [noʊ ˈmætər wət]
• happened: took place; occurred [ˈhæpənd]
• they: referring to the animals [ðeɪ]
• might have uttered: could possibly have spoken [maɪt hæv ˈətərd]
• some word of protest: a statement expressing disapproval or objection [səm wərd əv ˈproʊˌtɛst]